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This may suggest a failing voltage regulator that may be allowing the alternator to be producing too much or too little amperage causing a fluctuation in the electrical system. The voltage regulator is a unit that regulates the charging of the battery by the alternator. When the voltage regulator is not working properly, this may result in the alternator allowing too much power to be delivered to the battery resulting in damaging wires and prematurely sometimes destroying the battery. A common sign of this is usually the acid inside the battery boiling causing the battery to swell. You may also smell a bit of smoke due to things potentially getting too hot. In other cases it may result in the alternator not supplying enough power to the battery, resulting in undercharging the battery or not charging it at all. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your vehicle’s charging system.

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Q: Not sure what part my car needs. It it shakes when I'm getting off the high way. And it feels like it's dancing in the front.

Hello, thank you for writing in. When dealing with a shake or wobble, its always best to start with the simplest options and work your way up in complexity. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and have the tires...

Q: I have a 2007 Nissan Murano. Sometimes, when I am driving my car. The AWD Locked light comes on, at about 40-50 mph.

Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle may be engaging the abs due to a sensor or electrical issue causing the vibrations. The quickest way to determine why the ABS warning light has illuminated is to scan the vehicle...

Q: Battery light just came on. What could it mean? Is it safe to drive?

This may be a sign of a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while...